The Canadian Codefor

Volunteer Involvementand

Cultural CompetenceApplication

Background

The Code is the national benchmark or standard for Volunteer Programs.

The Code includes the Canadian Administrators of Volunteer Resources (CAVR) and Volunteer Canada’s organizational standards.

Components of the Code

Values for Volunteer Involvement Guiding Principles Organizational Standards

Values for Volunteer Involvement

Volunteer involvement is vital to a just and democratic society

Volunteer involvement strengthens communities

Volunteer involvement mutually benefits both the volunteer and the organization

Volunteer involvement is based on relationships

Guiding Principles

Volunteers have rights.

Voluntary organizations recognize that volunteers are a vital human resource

and will commit to the appropriate infrastructure to support volunteers.

Guiding Principles

Volunteers have responsibilities.

Volunteers make a commitment and are accountable to the organization.

Organizational Standards Mission-based

Approach Human Resources Program Planning

and Policies Program

Administration Volunteer

Assignments

Recruitment Screening Orientation /Training Supervision Recognition Record Management Evaluation

Code and Cultural Competency

The Code principles, values and the twelve organizational standards are complementary to the principles and practice of Cultural Competency.

Cultural Competency

ASSUMPTIONS We live in a society where people are not

treated equitably This inequitable treatment positions

individuals and groups differently

Cultural Competency

PRINCIPLES Every person has an equal right to

services Every person has a right to be treated

equitably in the workplace, paid or volunteer

Practical Applications

Review the twelve Standards of the Code Each standard can be viewed through a

Cultural Competency lens Commit to a single action for each

standard and the process will begin

Code Example

Standard 5: Volunteer Assignments

Develop a position analysis checklist: Consideration of the task components Time requirement (duration and when) Physical and cognitive task demands Communication skills, including language Environmental conditions

Volunteer ProgramA culturally competent Program will:

Ask questions at every point

Identify and remove systemic barriers

Result in a volunteer program that is reflective of the community in which services are delivered

Volunteer RecruitmentCulturally competent recruitment will:

Identify and remove systemic barriers

Have the potential to be the portal for organizational change

Engage volunteers who are reflective of the community

Life Long Learning

Cultural competency is a life long process

We are always reacting and learning Needs to be integrated in the culture of

the organization

A Final Thought…..

“Never doubt that a thoughtful group of committed individuals can change the

world; indeed, it is the only thingthat ever has.”

~ Margaret Mead